A major effort to protect North Richmond from rising sea levels is moving forward with the signing of a new federal spending bill.
The 2026 Appropriations Act includes $1.35 million for West County Wastewater’s (WCW) North Richmond Wastewater Protection Project. President Trump signed the law following strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.
What the project does
The funding supports the creation of a “living levee” along the North Richmond shoreline. Unlike a standard concrete wall, a living levee uses soil and native plants to create a natural slope. This design protects the community from coastal flooding while creating new habitats for local wildlife and providing residents with better access to the waterfront.
This investment targets an area that has historically lacked the resources needed for major infrastructure. WCW Board President Cheryl Sudduth noted that the project is a critical step in supporting a neighborhood that has been overlooked in the past. The levee will safeguard residents, local businesses, and essential services like the Water Quality and Resource Recovery Plant along Richmond Parkway.
Next steps
WCW has already completed more than half of the project design using regional grants. This new federal money, sponsored by Representative John Garamendi, allows the agency to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to finish the final construction plans. Once complete, the levee will also protect WCW’s nearly finished $83 million sustainability facility, ensuring long-term environmental protection for the entire West Contra Costa County region.
